Following allegations that hundreds of troops in Gamboru Ngala and Banki towns reportedly fled their duty posts into Cameroon, after they ran short of ammunition in their encounter with Boko Haram terrorists who stormed the two communities with sophisticated weapons in search of security operatives.
The Defence Headquarters, clarified the story, saying that the 480 Nigerian soldiers found on Cameroonian soil actually pursued fleeing Boko Haram terrorists past international boundaries of both countries against international law, hence they needed to surrender to Cameroonian authorities as required by law to show they were not on a hostile mission.
Gamboru Ngala and Banki towns share boundaries with Cameroon Republic which have been witnessing series of deadly attacks in recent times, including the massacre of over 300 traders in Gamboru Main Market in May.
The attacks on the communities came barely 24 hours after leader of the sect, Abubakar Shekau released a new video proclaiming an Islamic Caliphate in Gwoza town which was taken over by the insurgents.
Gamboru Ngala is North-East and about 180 kilometres, while Banki town in Bama Local Government Area is South-East and about 120 kilometres from Maiduguri, the state capital.
A source said many of the terrorists were killed by troops in Gamboru-Ngala before the troops ran out of ammunition and had to cross over the border into Cameroon to join forces with their Cameroonian counterparts to repel the attacks.
According to a BBC Hausa programme, the insurgents invaded Banki town on Sunday, and stormed Gamboru-Ngala, at about 5am, yesterday.
It was gathered that while in Banki, the insurgents overpowered the troops on ground by deploying rocket-propelled launchers, and improvised explosive devices, IEDs on the duty posts of the troops who managed to escape and fled towards Amhide villages before they entered Cameroon for safety.
It was also revealed that some of the troops in Banki fled to Marwa through Gazawa, another community bordering Borno and Cameroon Republic. It was not clear whether there was any casualty on both sides. However, sources said many casualties were recorded including terrorists, security operatives and civilians who were caught up in the crossfire.
400 soldiers escape to Cameroon
Also in Gamboru-Ngala, it was discovered that more than 400 of the troops managed to escape during the attack on their facilities, and reunited with their Cameroonian counterparts who made frantic efforts to repel the attackers. As residents said, the exchange of gunfire was ongoing between the terrorists and the military around the border communities of Cameroon and Nigeria.
A resident of Gamboru, who fled to Maiduguri yesterday evening, told our correspondent that "the insurgents who occupied the area were not after civilians, and asked residents not to flee, saying they were not in the town to attack civilians but military operatives.
"Some of us who could not withstand the sounds of gunshots and explosions between the insurgents and the military had to flee for safety, while others managed to stay based on the terrorists' assurance that they were not after residents. Unfortunately, as I am speaking to you, I have seen corpses of civilians and that of terrorists on the streets of Gamboru-Ngala, suspected to have been caught up in the crossfire or stray bullets".
A top military source in Maiduguri, who is not authorized to speak to the press confirmed the attacks in the border communities, insisting that the fighting was ongoing, but couldn't give the number of casualties.
The position of things, by Defence HQ
The Defence Headquarters in its reaction to Nigerian troops found in Cameroon explained that military authorities of both countries have discussed the issue and resolved it while the Nigerian soldiers have returned to their base.
A report posted on the Defence Blog regarding the incident said: "The Nigerian troops that were found in Cameroon was as a result of a sustained battle between the troops and the terrorists around the borders with Cameroon which saw Nigerian troops charging through the borders in a tactical manoeuvre.
"Eventually they found themselves on Cameroonian soil. Being allies, the normal protocol of managing such incident demanded that the troops submit their weapons in order to assure the friendly country that they were not on a hostile mission.
"Following necessary discussions between Nigerian and Cameroonian military authorities, the issues have been sorted out. Subsequently, the troops are on their way back to join their unit in Nigeria.
"The reference to the incident as a defection is therefore not appropriate considering the discussion between the two countries' military leadership and the series of contacts with the soldiers who have confirmed that they are safe.
Adamawa acting gov imposes curfew
Meanwhile, following the escalating insurgent attacks on Madagali, Gulak and other adjoining villages in the border between Adamawa and Borno states, Acting Governor of Adamawa State has declared a 24-hour curfew in the areas.
Source: vanguard news
Source: vanguard news
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